EXO – ‘Love Me Right’ Album Review

Shortly after the release of Exodus, kpop powerhouse EXO follows up with a repackage album, Love Me Right, to keep the fire burning. Besides the original ten tracks from Exodus, Love Me Right brings four new love themed tunes that add a sweet, romantic vibe to the album. Nonetheless, with exception of the namesake lead single, Love Me Right is simply a lukewarm affair lacking that special spark.

Track 1 – Love Me Right

Title song Love Me Right is a fun concoction of rhythmic EDM beats, funky synths, bouncy piano chords, and jazzy brass instruments. The immediately addictive hook is topped off with EXO’s dynamic vocals to convey a cheery and smitten feeling of love. To me, this is one of the more standout EXO singles in recent memory.

Track 2 – Tender Love

Nifty guitar riffs and low-pitched piano chords give Tender Love a groovy and sexy mood, while the hip hop rhythm beats add energy and optimism. This mature song is quite charming, though I wish the chorus was a little less repetitive.

Track 3 – First Love

Contrary to the sophistication of Tender Love, First Love is indeed innocent sounding as the title suggests. Primarily relying on simple acoustic piano chords and light drum beats, the melody of this mid-tempo pop track is unfortunately too humdrum and all over the place to be memorable.

Track 4 – 약속 (EXO 2014)

Finally it’s time to show off EXO’s vocal abilities with this heartfelt melodic ballad number backed by dynamic piano and violin instrumentals. Of course, the boys did not disappoint and makes a beautiful promise to fans via their smooth and passionate voices. The only odd part of EXO 2014 is Chanyeol’s rap. Though equally emotional, it comes off as a bit too angry and seems incoherent with the aura of the song.